By Oscar Wilde
April 20 2006

Maurice Lindsay was voted on to the Latics board by proxies cast by Dave Whelan, in spite of the majority of shareholders present voting against his election.

With 86% of the shares, Whelan’s vote counted more than the wishes of a massive percentage of Latics fans, but the supporters registered their disapproval with a show of hands.

 

Latics vice-chairman Phillip Williams, chairing the meeting in the absence of Dave Whelan, requested the vote for re-election of board members (Whelan, Brenda Spencer and Lindsay) to be cast en bloc, but a chorus of ‘no’s and general dissent meant that whilst the re-appointment of Whelan and Spencer was proposed and seconded without question, the vast majority of shareholders voted against the appointment of Lindsay.

 

When questions from the floor were invited, it was put forward, that in light of Lindsay’s derogatory remarks about Wigan Athletic in the past, Lindsay should do the honourable thing and decline the post.

 

The response from the chair was that questions regarding people’s personal feelings would not be fielded.

 

The rationale behind the appointment of Lindsay and the swapping of board members between Latics and the rugby was also questioned.

 

The response from the chair was that Whelan had received a lot of flak from sections of the rugby support questioning his loyalty to the Warriors. Keen to emphasise his commitment to both clubs, the chair stated that Whelan wanted a partnership between the two clubs and he asked us to respect the views of the Whelan and observe that he deserves our support. The chair stated that in essence, Whelan did what he wanted to with the clubs to alleviate the tension upon himself.

 

Police

 

The problem with the cost of policing fixtures was also raised. You may remember the extortionate amounts that Latics were ordered to pay by the Greater Manchester Police for their services last season. It was also mentioned that the amount of police in the east stand was excessive and a waste of the club’s resources.

 

Brenda Spencer stated the issue was still ongoing and whilst relationships between the new people in charge at the GMP were a lot more cordial, Whelan still thinks the police were wrong and is determined to have his day in court.

 

Tickets

 

The question as to whether Latics fans should be treated like cattle and stand in the freezing cold/rain for hours on end (Cardiff & Arsenal tickets) should be reviewed.

 

Spencer apologised stating the allocation of 1,700 we received was based on our following of 1,300 for the League Cup semi-final at Highbury. Away season ticket holders were to be looked after first and then the players themselves bought tickets so they could take their families. No solution was put forth for the mad scramble for any such remaining tickets in the future.

 

On hearing that tickets given to corporate executive box holders were finding their way onto the black market, Spencer looked genuinely shocked and stated that this was a criminal matter and any irregularities would be investigated by the police.

 

Kids

 

Now the kids club has moved from the Marquee (to accommodate the away supporters), to Pipe Dreams, it was suggested that the JJ’s club membership numbers had fallen.

 

The chair stated that although the facilities at Pipe Dreams were not as good as those in the Marquee, JJ’s club was still thriving, and the proportion of Latics season ticket holders being children (under 18) at 23%

 

Official Supporters Club

 

It was suggested the the club should re-establish it’s ties with the Official Supporters Club.

 

Spencer stated that the facilities at the JJB “did not allow for the close relations with supporters” as seen at Springfield Park. The club would however, try and address the situation.